COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Jack Marchbanks unveiled a monumental investment of over $100 million to bolster public transportation infrastructure across the state.
A whopping $106 million will be allocated to 383 transit projects spanning Ohio, aimed at enhancing workforce mobility, supporting senior citizens and individuals with special needs, bolstering rural transit services, and fortifying busing facilities.
Governor DeWine emphasized the significance of this funding in breaking down transportation barriers and improving the quality of life for Ohioans reliant on public transit to access vital services, education, and employment opportunities.
The funding will cover a spectrum of initiatives including transit fleet expansion, vehicle replacements, preventative maintenance, facility upgrades, adoption of new equipment and technology, as well as operational support.
Director Marchbanks highlighted the broader mission of ODOT in making transportation accessible, particularly in rural communities where mobility is often limited.
A detailed breakdown of the grant programs and their respective funding allocations includes:
- Rural Transit Program: $39,009,519 for 42 operating projects catering to public transportation services in rural areas.
- Ohio Transportation Partnership Program II: $37,100,000 for 199 diverse projects aimed at bolstering rural and urban transit systems with initiatives ranging from regionalization to healthcare initiatives.
- Specialized Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities Transit Program: $8,686,932 for 83 projects to enhance mobility for seniors and people with disabilities in small urbanized and rural areas.
- Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program: $8,605,069 to support 31 projects facilitating efficient transportation to employment centers.
- Buses & Bus Facilities Program: $5,035,267 for 66 capital projects aiding in the procurement of assets for rural transit systems.
- Mobility Management Program: $4,618,738 for 5 regional planning and 34 local mobility management projects aimed at increasing access to mobility.
- Ohio Intercity Bus Program: $3,280,200 for 3 projects dedicated to addressing intercity bus transportation needs statewide.
These grant programs are funded through state general revenue funds and Federal Transit Administration funding awarded to ODOT, signifying a collaborative effort to bolster Ohio’s public transportation infrastructure.
